SR Timber awarded Sun Safe Workplace Accreditation

SR Timber has been awarded a Sun Safe Workplace Accreditation by SKCIN, a national charity that provides training to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and the importance of early detection to high-risk audiences.

Solar UV radiation emitted by the Sun’s energy is classified as a known human carcinogen, responsible for up to 90% of all skin cancer cases. This puts outdoor workers in one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with recent statistics highlighting that 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women will develop the disease and that outdoor workers are, on average, at a 60% greater risk.

Shaun Revill, Trading Director from SR Timber said:

“The health and safety of our employees is paramount. We have both a moral and legal obligation to address all aspects of health and safety in the workplace – that includes addressing the known risks associated with repeated and long-term exposure to solar UV radiation.

By participating in the Sun Safe Workplaces programme, we have been able to assess the level of risk to our staff and implement a robust sun protection policy to help protect them and reduce their risk of the UK’s most common cancer.

Our team have now received the necessary training to provide them with a clear understanding of skin cancer causes and risk factors, how they can reduce their risk, the importance of regularly checking their skin and how to spot the early warning signs to promote early diagnosis.

We believe this commitment to raising awareness of prevention and early detection is vital in driving attitudinal and behavioural change both on and off the job.

We have also produced 5000 Sun cream giveaways for staff and on-site customers to prompt a broader awareness of the importance of protection.”

Marie Tudor CEO of SKCIN - the charity behind the programme, said: “We are delighted to award SR Timber with their Sun Safe Workplaces Accreditation. This provides clear evidence of their commitment to addressing not only their legal obligations but in playing their part to help tackle a major public health concern.”

Skin cancer statistics are compelling and should serve as a wake-up call to the industry and those responsible for the health and safety of their outdoor workers. With 90% of skin cancer cases preventable and, if diagnosed and treated early, almost always curable – SR Timber is urging the industry, employers and HSRs to work towards gaining their accreditation. The industry is stronger with a united approach that could make a significant impact, and no doubt save lives.